Youkilis discusses free agent options

Back in Boston for a charity event, Kevin Youkilis spoke Thursday about the pursuit of his services by multiple teams, including the Yankees, who offered the free agent a one-year, $12 million deal.

“I’ve got good choices,” said the 33-year-old Youkilis, who has been living in the Bay Area with wife Julie Brady and baby son. “I can’t deny it, I have good choices and good people. All I can give you on that one.

Related Links

“Any time anyone wants you, that’s a good choice. Some guys are sitting at home and want a job and not getting it.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

This is the first time Youkilis has been a free agent.

“It’s interesting,” he said. “I think everyone should go through it. It’s fun, it’s different, something different in life, kind of a journey.

“I mean, yeah, there are going to be things that are stressful, like, ‘What’s going on?’ And you hear this and that, and, ‘This guy’s getting how much?’ ‘That guy just signed for this?’ There are so many different variables, but then you’ve just got to sit back and enjoy the ride.”

The Indians, with new manager Terry Francona, are also thought to be in the mix for Youkilis.

“I’ve talked to Tito,” Youkilis said. “I don’t know anything other than playing for Tito. He’s great, he’s doing good. He seems happy. I know he wasn’t happy a year ago at this point, so that’s good. He’s healthier, too.”

After finishing 2012 with the lowest batting average of his career (.235), Youkilis said he’s been taking it slowly this off season. Really slowly. He has yet to swing a bat.

“I’ve been doing more of a progression,” he said.

The million-dollar question, though, came with an answer that suitors ought to be happy to hear.